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5 Month Old Cat With Skin Condition.

10.01.2006

I write with reference to my cat who is female and five months old. A week ago I noticed a protrusion in her fur which turned out to be a scab in the fur, detached slightly from her skin. I bathed it with some warm water and cotton wool however over the last week I have noticed more of them. They seem to start as flaky dry white skin, which then becomes a sore and scabs over, with the fur coming away from the area as the area becomes a sore. The sores are quite big, the largest just under an inch in length and width. A friend commented this might be ringworm however on readin about this, I havent found anything which details sores such as this that would be associated with ringworm. Also I have another cat (male, 6 months old) and a dog (labrador, female, 2 years old) and neither have anything at all wrong with them. From what I know, ringworm is contagious and I can;t understand why none of the other pets have any symptoms. My cat is eating as normal although seems to be sleeping much more in the day than she used to. The sores have become worse and I am currently treating them on advice from the pet shop with a Johnsons Tea Tree formula. Ive been unable to get to my own vets with her yet as I work 6 days per week and just wondered if you could please advise? Many Thanks




Hi Lisa
This is not a straightforward answer I’m afraid.
There is a mite called Cheyletiella which causes crusting and flaking of the skin, and is usually v itchy
It does not normally leave sore scabs underneath
Ringworm can cause crusting, is usually not itchy, and does not usually scab over after the crust is lost – but sometimes it can! – and though it is contagious, it may be most evident in one of a group of pets (and you can catch it yourself too)
Persian cats are particularly prone
It might be flea allergy, which can cause all manner of lesions, which can be very itchy, crusty, and angry red, and sore
It is uncommon in a kitten of this age
So, it does really need seeing in order to make an accurate diagnosis, though a dose of frontline spot-on on an unaffected area of the neck will do no harm in the meantime before you get your kitten examined professionally
Hope this helps

Pete Coleshaw





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